Several Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Brighton, face the challenge of offloading players this summer who have struggled for form, fitness, or opportunities. These players need a fresh start to reignite their careers and fulfill their potential.
Jack Grealish, Manchester City
Once a key figure in Manchester City’s treble-winning side two years ago, Grealish has since seen his influence diminish drastically. Injuries and increased competition have limited the 29-year-old to just seven league starts this season. The FA Cup final was particularly disheartening, as Grealish was left on the bench while City lacked creativity. Manager Pep Guardiola opted to give debut minutes to teenager Claudio Echeverri instead of turning to the former Aston Villa captain. With City targeting new attackers like Rayan Cherki, Grealish urgently needs a move this summer to revive his stalling career and boost his chances of making the World Cup squad next year.
Rasmus Højlund, Manchester United
Højlund arrived at Old Trafford with much fanfare from Atalanta but has failed to meet expectations. Despite his obvious potential, the 22-year-old striker has struggled to shine in a team that creates few chances. After two years and just 14 league goals, a transfer away from Manchester United seems the best path forward. A return to Italy has been suggested, where Højlund once impressed, giving him the chance to reset and develop away from the pressure of the Premier League spotlight.
Marcus Rashford, Manchester United
Rashford appeared rejuvenated during a loan spell at Aston Villa but remains surplus to requirements at Manchester United. Although a permanent transfer to Villa is unlikely due to their failure to secure Champions League football, Rashford is available on the market for around £40 million. Despite his talent, the 27-year-old must find a new club willing to provide consistent game time to regain the form that once made him one of England’s brightest attacking talents.
Jadon Sancho, Manchester United
Sancho finds himself in limbo after Chelsea decided not to make his loan move permanent. The 25-year-old has no future at Manchester United and will need to be sold this summer. While Sancho’s season at Chelsea wasn’t disastrous—he made 41 appearances with five goals and 10 assists—his inconsistency and poor crossing record hampered his impact. Finding a new club where he can rediscover his confidence is crucial.
Kepa, Chelsea
Chelsea’s goalkeeping department is crowded, and with plans to sign Mike Maignan from Milan, Kepa must find a permanent exit from Stamford Bridge. Once the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, Kepa impressed during a loan spell at Bournemouth, saving over 70% of shots faced. At 30, he still has prime years ahead and could be an asset for another club.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Chelsea
Signed to replace Conor Gallagher, Dewsbury-Hall’s £30 million transfer has failed to pay off. The 26-year-old midfielder has made just two Premier League starts this season and has been pushed further down the pecking order with Chelsea’s new signings. With limited first-team opportunities, a move away is likely.
Raheem Sterling, Chelsea
Sterling’s loan to Arsenal was expected to revive his career, but the 30-year-old winger failed to score in 17 league appearances. Having been deemed surplus at Chelsea, Sterling needs a permanent new home to rediscover his form and continue his career away from Stamford Bridge.
Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea
Nkunku arrived at Chelsea with high expectations following a brilliant spell at RB Leipzig. Unfortunately, injuries and lack of consistent starts have stalled his progress. At 27, the Frenchman should seek a fresh challenge where he can re-establish himself as a key player.
Armando Broja, Chelsea
Broja has struggled to find stability after several loan spells within the Premier League. Limited minutes and inconsistent performances have hindered the 23-year-old striker’s development. A permanent move elsewhere could prevent his career from stagnating.
Evan Ferguson, Brighton
Brighton’s young striker had a spectacular breakthrough but has since struggled to cement a regular spot in the team. Loaned to West Ham for the latter half of the season with minimal impact, Ferguson needs consistent playing time, likely away from Brighton, to fulfill his early promise.
Federico Chiesa, Liverpool
Chiesa’s time at Liverpool has been hampered by injuries and limited playing opportunities. With the club planning a big-money move for Florian Wirtz, the 27-year-old winger would benefit from a transfer to a club where he can be a regular starter.
Harvey Elliott, Liverpool
Elliott has shown flashes of brilliance but has never fully established himself in Liverpool’s first team. The arrival of new talent could push the 22-year-old further down the pecking order. A move, potentially abroad or to another Premier League side, could help him gain regular minutes.
Darwin Núñez, Liverpool
Núñez’s inconsistent performances have left Liverpool considering offloading the striker. Despite flashes of quality, the Uruguayan’s disciplinary issues and lack of consistent game time make his future at Anfield uncertain. A change of scenery this summer might be necessary to salvage his career.
These players are all at critical junctures, with their current clubs likely to offload them as part of squad rebuilding efforts. For many, a fresh environment could be just what is needed to reignite their careers and fulfill their considerable potential.
